Spacey wants Crowe for Old Vic

Kevin Spacey has approached Russell Crowe to star on the London stage.

The actor, who is the artistic director at the famous Old Vic theatre, has reportedly asked the troubled New Zealand-born star to consider treading the boards in one of the capital's productions in a bid to repair people's perception of him in the wake of his attack on a New York hotel porter.

A source said: "Kevin told Russell he should take to the stage and remind everyone he is one of the great actors of his generation."

Crowe - famed for his wild temper as well as his acting talents - was arrested and charged with assault last month for striking hotel worker Nestor Estrada with a telephone after becoming embroiled in a row over a faulty phone in his room.

It is not yet known if the Oscar-wining actor plans to accept Spacey's offer but he is said to be considering it.